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    No intel GPU in Device Manager?

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by Sean C, Aug 26, 2011.

  1. Sean C

    Sean C Newbie

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    I'm running an XPS 15 (L501X) with the NVIDIA 435m GPU. I understand that this is an "optimus" GPU, meaning that when applications don't require the dedicated graphics card, the system's default intel GPU runs things.

    I just did a clean install, and I'm curious why I don't see the intel GPU listed in the device manager under display drivers. Did I fail to install it? Additionally, when I launch the NVIDIA control panel, I don't have an option to select the intel GPU as the default for particular applications.

    Have I done something wrong, or is the intel GPU hidden somewhere else? I'd hate to have the NVIDIA card running all the time for basic things like browsing and email.

    Thanks!
     
    Sean C, Aug 26, 2011
    #1
  2. madmattd

    madmattd Notebook Deity

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    Well if it isn't showing in the NVidia control panel as an option, you forgot to install the Intel HD graphics driver. And ideally it ought to be installed BEFORE the NVidia, that could also be the issue. I'd say uninstall the NVidia driver, run driver sweeper in safe mode to kill it, same for Intel graphics if they are indeed installed, then install Intel THEN NVidia graphics drivers.
     
    madmattd, Aug 27, 2011
    #2
  3. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

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    namaiki, Aug 27, 2011
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  4. Sean C

    Sean C Newbie

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    That's what I was afraid of. Any idea where I can get a copy of the intel GPU driver? I downloaded and installed all of the drivers from dell's site (except I downloaded the NVIDIA driver from NVIDIA's website). If the driver was on the dell driver download page, I installed it. Where else might it be?
     
    Sean C, Aug 27, 2011
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  5. Nick

    Nick Professor Carnista

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    Read what namaiki posted above, your laptop doesn't have an Intel GPU. That means your laptop doesn't have Optimus.
     
    Nick, Aug 27, 2011
    #5
  6. zjacobss

    zjacobss Notebook Consultant

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    Yeah you don't have optimus.
     
    zjacobss, Aug 27, 2011
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  7. Sean C

    Sean C Newbie

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    Haha, wow. Thanks guys - I appreciate the help. You saved me an afternoon of banging my head on a wall.
     
    Sean C, Aug 27, 2011
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  8. madmattd

    madmattd Notebook Deity

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    Well spot on mate! Yea, last year's systems with quads didn't get to have Optimus as there was physically no Intel GPU on the CPU. So glad Sandy Bridge remedied that!
     
    madmattd, Aug 27, 2011
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